Shop History

Surf Specialties Corp was established in 1985 by James Fulbright. With starting capital of $1000.00 and ten used boards, I began as a ding repair and used board business operating out of my garage. Since my building was properly zoned (neighborhood services), I was able to legally operate out of my garage with virtually no-overhead (ceiling clearance was only 6’6" !! Get it..?? No overhead!! Ha-ha!!).
	Garage operations continued for the next five years offering quality repairs (in-house), New and Used surfboards and surfing accessories. Word continued to spread quickly about this "underground" shop located on 37th Street. At that time, I was able to answer every surf report call personally. The same telephone number exists today with either myself or my wife giving daily surf reports at 409-763-2115.
During the period between 1987 and 1991, I formed a strong surf team that claimed "Texas State Surfing Champions" for FIVE years in a row !! A feat that has yet to be matched by any other Texas Surf Team !!

1990 - Maybe we should sell Snowboards?	An old antique store was located next door to the shop located on the corner of 37th Street and Ave R. When the business owner suddenly died, my landlord asked me if I was interested in the property. Since I had long ago outgrown the confines of my garage location (600 sq. ft.), the first major move occurred in 1991: We moved twenty feet !! I painted the building bright blue, kept overhead low and continued to grow for the next four years by staying true to my "Hardcore" roots and giving personal service to my "loyal" customers. We now boasted of having 1000 sq. ft. !!
One factor that I attribute my following to was my inventory: hard goods to soft goods ratio. All other surf shop’s at the time had a 80% soft goods (clothing) and 20% Hard Goods (boards, wetsuits, accessories) ratio. Coupled with my low overhead situation, I operated with the exact opposite ratio of inventory!! Even today, our inventory consists of more hard goods than soft!! Surf Specialties is as close to a surf "hardware" store as you can find ANYWHERE!!
	During the mid-90’s, after the demise of a couple of "beach front" stores, an opportunity arose to fill a void along the beach that had never been filled: A REAL surf shop catering to surfer’s first and foremost! This was a very risky proposition that hadn’t been accomplished since the 70’s. So, in 1995, we made our second move,this time to Galveston’s famous Seawall Boulevard!! Initially, (and with much hesitation), we rented 1000 sq. ft. and within a year, we realized it wasn't large enough, and expanded to the current size of 2000 sq. ft.!!
Today, Surf Specialties carries between 60 and 90 surfboards at all times. We also stock more leashes, traction, board bags, wet suits and other surf accessories than most shops. We have a complete skateboard dept, a "build your own" surfboard dept, as well as carrying a large selection of new and used CD’s by the most popular rock, reggae, surf and rap artists of today.
	Unique Inventory, a convenient location, and our knowledgeable staff are just a few things we have to offer our loyal customers, which are the main reasons they return. (Us surfing every ridable swell doesn’t hurt either!) Come and find out for yourself why we’re Texas surfers' favorite surf shop! See ya’ in the shop and in the water!!

Nov. 1999 - Namotu, Fiji left to right: Jimmy Redmon (wakeboard inventor), "King" of Namotu, Todd Weatherill, (TX O'Neill rep) and James "Senator" Fulbright 4116 Seawall Blvd. Galveston, Texas 77550 (409)763-1559